I’d go for this bailout — give everyone a sum they have to use to buy things instead of paying down debt or investing with. Like the “stimulus checks” but guaranteed to be shoveled back into the economy. Via Reddit.

Not normally a fan of Reader’s Digest, but every now and then they do an impressive article. Here are eighteen memos to President Obama from various political and cultural leaders. A few (esp. Grover Norquist’s) surprised me. Via Reddit.

For the aspiring MacGyvers out there, or at least someone who always wants to be prepared, Parachute-cord bracelets. So you’ll always be ready to rappel down the side of a (two-story) building. Via NOTCOT.

Here’s a fun metafilter thread to read (especially in lean times!) — what pieces of everyday life can be upgraded, usually for not a lot of money, for something durable and well-made and even pleasurable to use. It drives me nuts when people will buy a poorly-made knockoff or off-brand item because it’ll save them a few bucks, then being unhappy with the result, when a few extra bucks would have gotten something decent. If the difference is only a little bit, save a little longer and buy the better made product that lasts longer. No matter what you’re spending, even if it’s $5 for a can opener, you can’t afford to throw away money on something that’ll break in a few months. A few of the answers can get ridiculous (Aeron chairs? I wish!) but many of them are very interesting to read.